123,641 Slavery, Politics and government Images: PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Search

Excise inquisition erecting by English slaves under the scourge of the...

A British satire on an attempt by William Pitt and George Rose to transfer to excise law certain import duties; standing in opposition is Edward Thurlow. The central image shows Britannia, wrapped in a blanket ... More

James K. Polk Papers: Series 6: Notes, circa 1831-1847; Subject file; ...

Martin Van Buren Papers: Series 3, Additional Correspondence, 1811-185...

Letter from Isaac Richmond Barbour, Oxford [Mass.], to Amos Augustus P...

Isaac R. Barbour writes to Amos A. Phelps and discusses various candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Isaac Richmond Barbour, Oxford [Mass.], to Amos Augustus P...

Isaac R. Barbour writes to Amos A. Phelps and discusses various candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to George William...

Letter from Isaac Richmond Barbour, Oxford [Mass.], to Amos Augustus P...

Isaac R. Barbour writes to Amos A. Phelps and discusses various candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Isaac Richmond Barbour, Oxford [Mass.], to Amos Augustus P...

Isaac R. Barbour writes to Amos A. Phelps and discusses various candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to George William...

Martin Van Buren Papers: Series 3, Additional Correspondence, 1811-185...

American sympathy and Irish backguardism, Political Cartoon

A critical look at Irish Repeal movement leader Daniel O'Connell's condemnation of slavery in the United States. Clay portrays O'Connell's agitation against slavery as an affront to American friends of repeal, ... More

O'Connell's call and Pat's reply, Political Cartoon

A condemnation of Daniel O'Connell's agitation of Irish immigrants in the United States against slavery. The artist, certainly E.W. Clay, presents a loaded contrast between turbulent conditions in Ireland and t... More

A sawney in Ireland trying to pass for an American gentleman

The "sawney" (i.e., fool or simpleton) is New York "Herald" editor James Gordon Bennett. The artist gives a comic portrayal of Bennett's celebrated public rebuff by O'Connell in the Corn Exchange in Dublin in A... More

Matty meeting the Texas question, Political Cartoon

A satire on the Democrats' approach to the delicate question of the annexation of Texas. In marked contrast to his portrayal of the issue as a beautiful woman in "Virtuous Harry" (no. 1844-27), the artist here ... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman thanking her for publishing one of his speeches at the India House. He is sending her speeches which discuss a defense of the Raja and speech arguing for a Commite... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman regarding contributing some lines in the "L[iberty] B[ell]." He says that "Blanche" is a sister of Miss Hilditch and will contribute to the Faneuil Hall bazaar. He... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman regarding contributing some lines in the "L[iberty] B[ell]." He says that "Blanche" is a sister of Miss Hilditch and will contribute to the Faneuil Hall bazaar. He... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman regarding contributing some lines in the "L[iberty] B[ell]." He says that "Blanche" is a sister of Miss Hilditch and will contribute to the Faneuil Hall bazaar. He... More

Letter from James Haughton, Dublin, to Samuel May, 28th May, 1846

Haughton refers to his controversy with Dr. Francis Parkman in "The Inquirer." He tells May that he wishes the opponents of the temperance reforms would speak out against them. Haughton mentions "Amicus" and th... More

Letter from James Haughton, Dublin, to Samuel May, 2nd Feb[ruar]y, 184...

Haughton sends an address to May. He refers to temperance reforms and abolition of capital punishment. Haughton speaks of peace efforts between England and the United States. Richard Davis Webb writes a postscr... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Henry Clarke Wright...

George Thompson writes to Henry Clarke Wright in regards to sending Mr. Douglass a letter while he is in Liverpool. He says that he is hard at work on Indian matters and does not "lose sightings" of the Free Ch... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Richard David Webb,...

George Thompson writes to Henry Clarke Wright in regards to events concerning the Raja of Saltara's case. They have induced the Government/the Queens to make "some alteration of a beneficial kind in the Rajas c... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], 1846 Dec[ember] 15.

George Thompson writes to unknown regarding taking upon a favor of the recipient. He writes, "It is enough to make the heart sick to find men laying claim to Christian character & principle, busied in promulgat... More

James K. Polk Papers: Series 8: Miscellaneous, 1827-1884; Chronologica...

The Democratic funeral of 1848 - Political cartoon, public domain imag...

Foreseeing political death for the Democrats in the election, the artist imagines a funeral of the party's standard-bearers with a procession of the faithful. Democratic senators (left to right) Sam Houston of ... More

James K. Polk Papers: Series 2, General Correspondence and Related Ite...

Whig harmony - Political cartoon, public domain image

A severe split within the Whig ranks, between partisans of Henry Clay and those of Zachary Taylor, preceded the party's convention in June 1848. Here Horace Greeley, one of Clay's most influential northern supp... More

Quartette from the new opera of the "Whig celebration at Lundy's Lane....

Winfield Scott's controversial performance as commander in the War of 1812 battle at Lundy's Lane turned to account by the artist in this parody of the general's candidacy in 1852. The battle of Lundy's Lane ag... More

Harmony in the wigwam! Democracy of the right brand-y

A comic scene ridiculing the Tammany Democrats of New York City. Tammany headquarters, known as the "Wigwam," here erupts in a drunken fracas over the Democratic platform for the presidential race of 1852. The ... More

Position of the Democratic Party in 1852. "Freemen of America, how lon...

A crudely drawn satire bitterly attacking Democratic presidential candidate Franklin Pierce and appealing to the "Freemen of America." The print, possibly executed by a free black, criticizes the Democrats' pla... More

Pilgrims of the Rhine-O! - Political cartoon, public domain image

Whig presidential candidate Winfield Scott and his party pursue an abolitionist course leading toward Salt River and political doom. New York senator and antislavery advocate William Seward appears as a poodle ... More

Eclipse & no eclipse or two views of one object

Two scenes showing the differing perceptions of Franklin Pierce's stand on the issue of slavery, as viewed by the North and South. The cartoon is divided vertically by "Mason & Dixon's Line." An arrow identifie... More

Liberty, the fair maid of Kansas--in the hands of the "border ruffians...

A bitter indictment of the Democratic administration's responsibility for violence and bloodshed in Kansas in the wake of the 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act. (See also "Forcing Slavery Down the Throat of a Freesoiler... More

Forcing slavery down the throat of a freesoiler

The artist lays on the Democrats the major blame for violence perpetrated against antislavery settlers in Kansas in the wake of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Here a bearded "freesoiler" has been bound to the "Democr... More

The great Presidential race of 1856

An animated comic scene ridiculing the Democratic and American party candidates. In the foreground is a somewhat rickety wooden "Democratic Platform," into which presidential candidate James Buchanan has just r... More

The great presidential race of 1856.

Public domain image related to President Abraham Lincoln, gelatin silver print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Henry Bleby, Barbados, to William Lloyd Garrison, April 20...

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The undecided political prize fight, Political Cartoon

A pro-Breckinridge satire on the 1860 presidential contest. Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln (right) and Democrat Stephen A. Douglas (left) appear as boxers squaring off in a ring before a small crowd of on... More

The political quadrille. Music by Dred Scott

A general parody on the 1860 presidential contest, highlighting the impact of the Dred Scott decision on the race. That controversial decision, handed down in 1857 by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, ruled that ne... More

Letter from Maria Weston Chapman, 260 fourth A[venue], [New York City,...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Storming the castle. "Old Abe" on guard.

Public domain image related to President Abraham Lincoln, gelatin silver print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Honest old Abe on the Stump. Springfield 1858. Honest old Abe on the S...

A caricature of Abraham Lincoln, probably appearing soon after his nomination as Republican presidential candidate. The artist contrasts Lincoln's modest posture at the Illinois Republican state convention in S... More

It appears to me very singular that we three should strike "foul" and ...

Public domain reproduction of art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to Oliver Johnson...

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Papers: General Correspondence, 1784-1886;...

Public domain scan of American Civil War document, Confederates, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Maria Weston Chapman, New York [City], 46 W[est] 17th St[r...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

I assure you my friend, that you can safely vote our ticket, for we ha...

Public domain image related to President Abraham Lincoln, gelatin silver print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Maria Weston Chapman, Weymouth, [Mass.], to Elizabeth Bate...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Platforms illustrated. - Public domain scan / print

Public domain image related to President Abraham Lincoln, gelatin silver print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Union and liberty! And union and slavery!

An anti-McClellan broadside, contrasting Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln's advocacy of equality and free labor in the North to Democratic opponent McClellan's alleged support of the Southern slave system. ... More

Behind the scenes during American Civil War

Another venomous attack on the Lincoln administration by the artist of "The Commander-in-Chief Conciliating the Soldier's Votes, no. 1864-31," and "The Sportsman Upset by the Recoil of His Own Gun," (no. 1864-3... More

Uncle Abe's valentine sent by Columbia; an envelope full of broken cha...

Some clipped from newspapers. Principal subject matter: The election campaign of 1864.

The Freedman's Bureau! An agency to keep the Negro in idleness at the ...

One in a series of racist posters attacking Radical Republicans on the issue of black suffrage, issued during the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 1866. (See also "The Constitutional Amendment!," no. 186... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Letter from George Washington Murray, Columbia, S.C., to William Lloyd...

George Washington Murray writes William Lloyd Garrison to convey to the latter a first-hand account of the "political affairs" obtaining in South Carolina. Murray describes the recognition of Wade Hampton as go... More

Justice versus prejudice / Keppler., Political Cartoon

Illustration shows President Theodore Roosevelt, standing with right hand on the left shoulder of an African American man, standing to the left, and his left hand on a paper labeled "15th Amendment"; behind the... More